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Kids, parents and teachers across the UK will be getting on their bikes for the journey to school this March as part of Sustrans’ Big Pedal. There are prizes up for grabs for the schools that involve most people. The Big Pedal is the UK’s biggest school cycling competition to get kids active and raise money for the charity Sustrans. Nearly half of all children want to be able to get to school by bike but only four per cent do, said a statement from Sustrans.
Carl Pittam, Sustrans Director of English Regions, said: “Last year’s Big Pedal saw children from more than 800 schools across the UK making nearly a million journeys by bike.
“This year’s race will see even more families discovering just how easy it is to do the school run on two wheels. Children that cycle to school regularly are more active and more alert and better learners.”
The race is funded by Bike Hub, the UK cycle levy scheme.
Phillip Darnton, executive director of the Bicycle Association, said: “The future of cycling depends on every generation of kids learning and wanting to cycle.
“The cycle industry through its Bike Hub levy is delighted to fund this event for another year. 2012 is a very special year; the Big Pedal marks the start of the Summer of Cycling – a new campaign bringing together everyone who cycles and encouraging them to introduce one new-comer to cycling during the year.
“That’s why the Big Pedal is aiming for 1000 schools to sign up and one million journeys to be made.”
